Classical Spain

Classical Spain

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tourhub | Riviera Travel | Classical Spain | CS
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7 Days From

$1131

Classical Spain

7 Days Starting and ending in Málaga, Spain

Visiting: Málaga, Ronda, Seville, Córdoba, Granada, Alhambra

Tour operator:

Riviera Travel

Tour code:

CS

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 25

Physical rating:

Please contact Riviera Travel if you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility.

Age range:

18-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact Riviera Travel with specific dietary requests.

Tour operated in:
English
Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From:
$1131 (USD) including Flights from the UK

NB: Prices correct on 06-May-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Experience Andalucía’s magical fusion of Spanish and Moorish cultures as you discover Seville’s vibrant streets and conquistador heritage, Granada’s wondrous Alhambra and the dazzling Mezquita mosque in Córdoba – and much more. Andalucía is simply one of the most beautiful corners of Europe yet for many it remains relatively undiscovered. It’s a land where the excesses of the modern era seem not to have taken root and where travellers are genuinely welcomed. The food is a delight, with the area noted for its seafood and its famous drink, the fortified wine from Jerez we call sherry. Try a glass of fino, a very dry yet refreshing sherry, while nibbling tapas, that great Spanish titbit invention. The people are charming – always ready to help, with a friendly attitude towards their fellow man and a love of life so typical of Mediterranean people. So, for an inspirational blend of timeless countryside, iconic monuments, romantic and vivacious cities, fragrant flowers and orange blossom, wonderful art and superb cuisine, all set in a region that welcomes visitors as honoured guests, welcome to Andalucía.

Highlights

  • Experience beautiful Seville’s vibrant streets and tranquil parks on a tour led by a local guide

  • Visit to medieval Ronda - one of Spain’s most spectacularly situated cities

  • Delight in delicious and authentic Tapas in Seville

  • Fall under the spell of the Alhambra, seeing one of the most romantic places ever built, with exquisite formal gardens of roses and fountains, set against the dramatic mountains of Granada

  • Visit Córdoba with a guided tour of the Mezquita, possibly the most beautiful mosque constructed - entrance included

  • Six nights in three-star superior and four-star accommodation including all local taxes, with breakfast

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival In Malaga

Location: Málaga

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: No Meals

Arrive at the airport for your flight to Malaga. On arrival, we transfer to the four-star Ilunion Hacienda del Sol. This hotel is ideally situated in undulating countryside near the village of Mijas.

Day 2 : Ronda

Location: Ronda, Seville

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast we take a drive into the hills forming the beautiful backdrop to the coast and then arrive in Ronda, a city widely acknowledged as one of the most spectacular in Spain and which enjoys a setting so naturally dramatic it could be in a fairy tale. Built on a ridge and split by a most impressive gorge plunging down hundreds of feet, Ronda’s almost impregnable position meant it was one of the last bastions of Moorish power, only falling to the Christians in 1485. During the 18th century, the two halves of the town were joined by its iconic stone bridge, while another highlight is the palace that was once home to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, paymasters of Columbus. With lots of good restaurants and tapas bars, Ronda is a splendid spot to spend a few hours exploring its classic Moorish maze of cobbled alleys, full of whitewashed houses with window grilles. Much of the city’s appeal lies in its spectacular views and clear mountain air – Andalucía at its simple best. We continue our drive into the countryside beyond, which is both very scenic and quite isolated, so much so it is not unusual to see eagles and vultures soaring above or ibex roaming the mountains.



We then arrive in Seville and our hotel, the three-star superior Don Paco, where we stay for the next three nights.

Day 3 : Seville

Location: Seville

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Flamboyant, seductive, fascinating … Seville is all these and more. It is simply one of the most beautiful and charismatic cities in the world, with the serene River Guadalquivir flowing through its centre, a history spanning the centuries, a wealth of historic buildings, colourful back streets and peaceful parks.



It has its origins in Roman times – the Emperor Hadrian, builder of the famous wall, came from here. During the 8th century the Moors arrived, stayed for five centuries and left a unique legacy still in evidence today. However, if one event changed Seville, it was the discovery of the New World and, fittingly, Columbus is buried in the imposing cathedral. Immense wealth poured in from Spain’s new empire and catapulted Seville into one of the largest and richest cities in Europe.



Much of Seville was built during this time and it seems to have changed little in the last 500 years, with tiny twisting streets and hidden squares where the locals hide from the midday sun in high summer. Today, though, it possesses a vibrant, cultural spirit that is very special.



The city of Figaro, this is the setting for another classic opera, Carmen. It’s also the home of flamenco, the origins of which are lost in the aeons of time. In short, this is the essence of Spain.



After breakfast we have a tour of this beguiling city, during which we’ll see the awe-inspiring semi-circular Plaza de España, a fine example of Renaissance Revival and Moorish Revival styles of Spanish architecture. You’ll also see the Tower of Gold, so named as it was used to store plunder from the Americas, and much more. During the afternoon you’re free to explore Seville at your leisure, during this time you could visit the fortified palace of the Alcázar or the world’s largest Gothic cathedral which is the final resting place of the great navigator, Christopher Columbus. Alternatively if you wish, you could take a cruise on one of the many river boats.

Day 4 : Free Day In Seville

Location: Seville

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we have a free day. There are the ‘musts’ to revisit if you wish, such as the Alcázar, the fortified palace of the Moors with a richness of decoration which will astound you, and the cathedral, but also take time to wander around the Barrio Santa Cruz, the former Jewish quarter of the medieval city, and the smart pedestrianised Calle Sierpes, a street full of beautiful shops selling high-quality leather goods. The Maria Luisa Park is a beautiful display of colour where you can relax and indulge in a spot of people-watching.

Day 5 : Cordoba

Location: Córdoba, Granada

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast we leave Seville and head east to another of Andalucía’s classic cities, arriving in Córdoba for our guided tour. Córdoba was the ancient capital of the Moors and is principally famous for a single building – the Mezquita – the grandest and most beautiful mosque ever constructed in the Moorish world. Dominating the centre of the Old Town, which was once the home of a thriving Jewish community, it is a building of extraordinary power and mystery with an arcaded hall supported by over 850 columns made of semi-precious stones. One can only wonder at the architectural brilliance of the builders all those hundreds of years ago, while northern Europe was still immersed in the depths of the Dark Ages. Another highlight is the immense, well-preserved Roman bridge. Córdoba is a delightful place full of patios drenched in the colour of thousands of flowers – the Spanish seem to take so much pride decorating their homes.



We then continue our journey to arrive in the city of Granada, the last stronghold of the sultans during the Middle Ages and home to the Alhambra, the most spectacular gem of Moorish Andalucía. As we approach Granada, there can be no more proof of the diversity of this corner of southern Europe. We pass through some very arid countryside with a landscape of dried riverbeds, giving way to rolling olive groves. In the distance is the spectacular Sierra Nevada, the highest mountain range in Spain. The landscape then becomes more fertile and picturesque, with ancient olive trees stretching off into the distance.



Our hotel for the next two nights is either the centrally located four-star Hotel Corona, in the heart of the city and within easy walking distance of the principal areas of interest, or the four-star Hotel Alixares, well located opposite the Alhambra. Both are fully air-conditioned and ideal for a comfortable stay.

Day 6 : Granda & The Alhambra

Location: Granada, Alhambra

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Granada has a naturally dramatic location, nestling against the backdrop of permanently snow-capped mountains soaring majestically to a height of 11,000 feet. It is the perfect setting for the most perfect of architectural wonders, the Alhambra. So individual in its setting, so rich in its history and so exquisite in its design, this iconic building was the high point in Moorish culture. It is not just a palace, though. Some of it is a fortress, and much is given over to formal gardens full of roses and fountains, giving an incredible impression of peace and tranquillity.



Today we visit the Alhambra, which for many people will be the highlight of the holiday, and you’ll also have time to explore the city as you wish. There is a myriad of twisting streets, the old Moorish quarter and the traditional gypsy area, all full of tiny unique shops, with seemingly every balcony sprouting flowers in a profusion of colour. There’s nothing better than taking a stroll through these streets, little changed in centuries, with pavements made of pebbles set in mortar and some so narrow that mules were the only form of transport. Granada also boasts some of the most distinctive old bars in Spain, many of them decorated with antique tiles, where taking a drink and a few tapas can be an excuse for a unique, authentically Andalucían experience.

Day 7 : Return Flight

Location: Málaga

Meals Included: Breakfast

Transfer to Malaga airport for your flight home.

What's Included

  • The price of this holiday is per person, based on two people sharing a twin room. Sole occupancy;rooms are subject to availability at the relevant supplement

  • Accommodation

    6 nights in 3-star superior to 4-star

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

  • All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)

  • Meals

    Daily breakfast

  • Entrances to the Alhambra and Mezquita

  • Local Taxes

  • International Travel

    Return flights

  • Fully Guided

    The services of a Riviera Tour Manager

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • Entrance Fees

    Entrances to the Alcazar or cathedral in Seville, which are approximately €12.

    50 and €9 respectively and payable locally.

    Please note that there are reduced entry prices for those aged 65 or more on presentation of a valid ID.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    No

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    No. Not included are the entrances to the Alcazar or cathedral in Seville, which are approximately €12.50 and €9 respectively and payable locally. Please note that there are reduced entry prices for those aged 65 or more on presentation of a valid ID.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    Yes, return flights from the UK

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    Yes

  • What currencies are required for this tour?

    Euros

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For almost 40 years

  • I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?

    We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns

  • Do I require travel insurance?

    It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.

  • What is my luggage allowance?

    You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.

Reviews of this operator

David Clarke (Google Reviewer)  

This review is for the...

08-Aug-2023

This review is for the italian Lake Como trip Aug 1-8 Wow what a trip. Riviera from start to finish were excellent the booking and help line answering questions were very good and clear. The travel booklet you get is laid out that it is simple to read and follow with step by step info from booking in to flights to meeting the guides. Our guide Matt Purse was just the best guide and real credit to Riviera with his knowledge and straight forward approach to running the trips. Matt kept us informed and told us all the sort of info you want to know without going over the top....This chap should teach other reps ..thank you so much. The coaches they use are all clean and well equipped with usb chargers and have aircon. The places chosen to visit were well researched even down to where coaches park or drop you off. The Bernina Express was the highlight for our family and matts photo tip was welcomed. The only down point was the hotel,a little dated and evening meal in main restuarant was a bit of a let down. I think we were lucky with our room on level 7 and with balcony as the walls are very thin and noise travels. We would book again with riviera

Barbara Shillaker (Google Reviewer)  

I have been on three...

11-Jan-2024

I have been on three trips with Riviera Travel so far, with two more booked during 2024. Highly recommended. Excellent tour guides. Great program of visits. Great hotels used.

Mrs Bodnarec (Google Reviewer)  

Thankyou Riviera and all the...

28-Apr-2024

Thankyou Riviera and all the staff on the William Wordsworth Danube River cruise. My husband and i have just travelled on the Danube to celebrate my husbands 60th and we had such a lovely experience. We were younger than most of the travellers but we met so many lovely people so this wasnt a problem. The staff were so lovely and professional. The service we experienced was so high. The boat was beautiful, the food amazing and the excursions were informative and well managed. I would definately recommend riviera as a company. In fact we are now considering their Japan holiday.

Valerie Pascoe  

We would go again in a heartbeat

22-Jan-2022

Oh my goodness, what a relief it was to actually get away! Full marks to all at Riviera for keeping us up to date before our trip and for the help so cheerfully and patiently given with the extra admin that Covid brought our way. We felt totally safe with the measures taken on board, thank you very much for this. Without exception, Staff were fantastic and our every need was attended to. The additional Covid testing ran smoothly, organised by our Riviera Reps. The guided tours were most interesting: the guides very knowledgeable and more importantly, interesting to listen to. We loved this trip and would do it again in a heartbeat. Thank you again Riviera, you were FAB!

Chris Wilson (Google Reviewer)  

Second escorted tour with this...

25-Jul-2022

Second escorted tour with this company. Did 5 days in Iceland tour. Everything went smoothly, excellent tour guide, Per. Extremely knowledgeable and interesting guy. Very friendly too. Highly recommend. Just let down by the room given at the hotel, but I guess the travel company doesn't have control over this.

Kathryn Jurin, GB  

Riviera South Africa tour - awesome

21-May-2021

Riviera have amazing holidays and tours to choose from. The one we chose was South Africa and wow! It turned out to be our best trip ever - incredible memories we will never forget. We’ve been all over the world which was because of all our experiences, this one was awesome. The organisation of the holiday, the guide and the travel was e cells that. The choice of hotels, meals, restaurants, trips was absolutely fantastic - very good quality and character - nothing bland or boring! The Riviera guide was permanently with us along with a South Africa guide and they were both extremely friendly, professional, informative and you could ask any questions you want! I would massively recommend this holiday/trip and when you’ve experienced it, you realise how reasonable the price is. We reflect on this trip a lot and thank you Riviera for giving us such a wonderful experience.

Trustpilot
Barry, GB  

Rhine Christmas markets cruise

09-Dec-2019

Just completed a 5 day trip on the Rhine. Our first river cruise and a tester for future cruises. The boat was well appointed and the cabin and public areas were spotlessly clean. The staff were attentive and contributed to the very relaxed atmosphere on the boat. The quality of the food surpassed that which we have experiened on sea cruises in recent years. I have written little because it was a faultless experience. We have booked a further cruise (in France) on the basis of our experience.

Trustpilot
Christine Hardy (Google Reviewer)  

Although most people seem to...

10-Mar-2024

Although most people seem to book and pay for their holidays online, because we live close by we prefer to make a personal visit. In my opinion if they are offering this as an option they should be better equipped to accommodate visits in person. We have not been on our river cruise yet, so can't comment on that yet.

Rob Steele (Google Reviewer)  

My 3rd Riviera trip within...

16-Feb-2024

My 3rd Riviera trip within a year and I wasn't disappointed 😁 This time it was https://www.rivieratravel.co.uk/escorted-tours/southern-india-coastal-route-solo-travellers This trip, although not cheap, it really offers exceptional value for money as you see a lot of Tamil Nadu and Kerela, stay in fantastic hotels, excellent breakfasts every day as well as some lunches and dinners also included. George Bareham, our "Tour Manager" was brilliant, very professional, but also friendly and diligent. Satheeshan, our local guide was helpful and picked me up antibiotics when I got ill, he was a nice chap, if (for my taste) went on a bit and used 20 words when 1 would suffice. Mr Sweeny, our coach driver was fantastic,really professional and an exceptionally good driver. His assistant, Murgon wad a delight, always smiling and attentive. This is a full on trip, early morning starts and quite a packed itinerary, but still leaving time to laze around some brilliant hotel swimming pools. Only a couple of suggestions to improve the holiday. More shopping time in Cochin and change carriers from Etihad who, unfortunately aren't the excellent airline they used to be. But, will I use Riviera Travel again - Yes 😁

Barbara Parkes (Google Reviewer)  

Presently in Croatia staying at...

22-Sep-2023

Presently in Croatia staying at Arauana Hotel, supposedly a 4 star property, but wouldn't give it any star rating. Rooms are small and dirty. Wallpaper blistering. Meals served in a shed like lean-to. Food like warm, greasy and always self service. Second holiday with Riviera this year and neither at standard advertised. Have travelled with them previously and everything was fine, but standards have really dropped. Have booked a holiday with them next year and now dreading it. Certainly don't provide the standard advertised. We have never stayed in such a hovel and have visited youngsters in back packers accommodation which was far better than this supposedly 4 star accommodation. There are no indoor bars or lounges only a shed as a so called restaurant. Absolutely disgusting. Won't be boking with them again

Dates & Availability

Friday - Thursday

Sep 06, 2024 - Sep 12, 2024
$1571 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Tuesday - Monday

Sep 10, 2024 - Sep 16, 2024
$1885 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Saturday

Sep 15, 2024 - Sep 21, 2024
$1571 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Wednesday - Tuesday

Sep 18, 2024 - Sep 24, 2024
$1948 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Saturday - Friday

Sep 21, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024
$1571 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Monday - Sunday

Sep 23, 2024 - Sep 29, 2024
$1533 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Wednesday - Tuesday

Sep 25, 2024 - Oct 01, 2024
$1634 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Saturday - Friday

Sep 28, 2024 - Oct 04, 2024
$1571 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Tuesday - Monday

Oct 01, 2024 - Oct 07, 2024
$1445 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Friday - Thursday

Oct 11, 2024 - Oct 17, 2024
$1445 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Thursday - Wednesday

Oct 17, 2024 - Oct 23, 2024
$1508 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Saturday

Oct 20, 2024 - Oct 26, 2024
$1508 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Tuesday - Monday

Oct 22, 2024 - Oct 28, 2024
$1508 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Friday - Thursday

Oct 25, 2024 - Oct 31, 2024
$1470 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Saturday - Friday

Oct 26, 2024 - Nov 01, 2024
$1860 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Wednesday - Tuesday

Oct 30, 2024 - Nov 05, 2024
$1319 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Saturday - Friday

Nov 02, 2024 - Nov 08, 2024
$1319 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Saturday

Nov 03, 2024 - Nov 09, 2024
$1206 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Thursday - Wednesday

Nov 07, 2024 - Nov 13, 2024
$1131 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Friday - Thursday

Nov 08, 2024 - Nov 14, 2024
$1131 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Saturday - Friday

Nov 09, 2024 - Nov 15, 2024
$1131 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Saturday

Nov 10, 2024 - Nov 16, 2024
$1257 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Monday - Sunday

Nov 11, 2024 - Nov 17, 2024
$1382 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Saturday - Friday

Nov 16, 2024 - Nov 22, 2024
$1131 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Friday - Thursday

Mar 14, 2025 - Mar 20, 2025
$1445 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Wednesday - Tuesday

Apr 02, 2025 - Apr 08, 2025
$1772 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Wednesday - Tuesday

Apr 09, 2025 - Apr 15, 2025
$1772 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Wednesday - Tuesday

Apr 23, 2025 - Apr 29, 2025
$2049 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Saturday

Apr 27, 2025 - May 03, 2025
$1709 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Saturday - Friday

May 03, 2025 - May 09, 2025
$2024 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Saturday

May 04, 2025 - May 10, 2025
$1772 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Thursday - Wednesday

May 08, 2025 - May 14, 2025
$1747 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Saturday - Friday

May 10, 2025 - May 16, 2025
$1747 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Saturday

May 11, 2025 - May 17, 2025
$2087 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Monday - Sunday

May 12, 2025 - May 18, 2025
$1684 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Thursday - Wednesday

May 15, 2025 - May 21, 2025
$2024 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Thursday - Wednesday

May 22, 2025 - May 28, 2025
$1772 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Saturday

Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025
$1709 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Tuesday - Monday

Jun 10, 2025 - Jun 16, 2025
$1986 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Wednesday - Tuesday

Jun 18, 2025 - Jun 24, 2025
$1986 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Tuesday - Monday

Sep 02, 2025 - Sep 08, 2025
$1911 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Thursday - Wednesday

Sep 04, 2025 - Sep 10, 2025
$1584 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Saturday - Friday

Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025
$1584 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Tuesday - Monday

Sep 16, 2025 - Sep 22, 2025
$1584 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Saturday - Friday

Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025
$1948 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Saturday

Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025
$1584 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Saturday - Friday

Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025
$1508 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Monday - Sunday

Oct 06, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025
$1848 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Thursday - Wednesday

Oct 09, 2025 - Oct 15, 2025
$1508 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Saturday - Friday

Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
$1760 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Tuesday - Monday

Oct 14, 2025 - Oct 20, 2025
$1848 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Thursday - Wednesday

Oct 16, 2025 - Oct 22, 2025
$1508 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Saturday - Friday

Nov 01, 2025 - Nov 07, 2025
$1420 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Monday - Sunday

Nov 10, 2025 - Nov 16, 2025
$1244 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Why book with Barrhead?

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